Header
A header is the beam over a door or window opening that carries the load from above around the opening.
A header is the beam over a door or window opening that carries the load from above around the opening.
Definition
A header is a horizontal member above an opening in a load-bearing wall. It transfers the weight above to the vertical framing on each side.
A plain example
Illustrative example only: a wall carries floor load above a wide window, so the framing plan shows a doubled member set on short vertical studs on each side, sized from a span table or calculation.
Why it matters
Cutting a wall opening without a properly sized header can overload the wall. It is one of the most common alteration errors.
Common confusion
A header is not a lintel. In wood framing the term is header; in masonry and concrete the same job is called a lintel.
On a project
Confirm size, material and bearing length from the plan, and check that load paths continue to the foundation.
Quick answers
- Do all openings need headers? Openings in load-bearing walls do; non-load-bearing walls may need less.
- Header or lintel? Header is the wood-framing term; lintel is used in masonry.
- Who sizes headers? The engineer or the local prescriptive tables.
Related terms
Always check the project drawings and specification, and confirm requirements with the engineer of record and the local authority.
Questions people ask
Do all openings need headers?
Openings in load-bearing walls do; non-load-bearing walls may need less.
Header or lintel?
Header is the wood-framing term; lintel is used in masonry.
Who sizes headers?
The engineer or the local prescriptive tables.
Sources and further reading
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